Alright, I've given what's been said in the past three pages some thought. I've come to the conclusion that yes, my fear of success/failure (take your pick) is crippling any chance I have of becoming a fiction writer. I think its best to simply do it without any real expectations. It's a grueling, difficult task, but it has its perks. Yes, I won't reach King or Rowling levels of fame the second I get published. If I were to have a hit, it would be just that: a successful novel. A slew of hits over the period of a few years is another story entirely. To ensure success is to, in the words of Faulkner, kill your darlings. You and the publishers have to be pragmatic in deciding what hits the shelves. Chances are, most of what I write won't even be released.